is considered by many to be one of the founders of modern meteorology and weather forecasting.

established that lightning was an electric spark, made early weather and climate predictions based on meteorological observations, and first mapped the Gulf Stream.

Considered by many to be the father of modern rocketry, Goddard was a physicist of great insight who had a genius for invention.

made contributions both to research about the sun's effect on weather—and indeed life on Earth—and to the development of manned flight.

devoted his career to understanding the basic chemical processes that govern life in the ocean. His famous "iron hypothesis" not only changed the way in which scientists view the ocean, but also introduced a controversial method for lowering carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

dedicated his career to developing a mathematical theory of climate based on the seasonal and latitudinal variations of solar radiation received by the Earth as a result of the Earth's orbital motions.

was once described as "one of the world's most articulate spokesmen for science" and "an early predictor of global warming."

pioneered studies of cloud models, hurricanes, weather modification, and guided the development of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission.

established some of the most important principles of modern geology.

used a unique combination of determination, hard work, inspiration, and freshman physics to become known as the "father of satellite meterology."

was a man of science whose research on the radiative properties of gases contributed greatly to the understanding of how these gases affect the heating and cooling of the Earth's atmosphere.

is, without doubt, the greatest rocket scientist in history. His crowning achievement, as head of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, was to direct the mission to land the first men on the Moon in July 1969.

proposed a grand vision of drifting continents and widening seas to explain the evolution of Earth's geography.